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GS Paper: GS3

  • Can domestic MFs invest in their overseas counterparts?

    Why in the news?

    SEBI issued a consultation paper, proposing a framework to enable domestic Mutual Funds (MFs) to invest in their overseas counterparts or Unit Trusts (UTs) that allocate a portion of their assets to Indian securities.

    About the Framework for Facilitating Investments by Domestic Mutual Funds (MFs)

    • Aim: To clarify the process and regulations surrounding such investments to encourage domestic MFs to diversify globally while maintaining limited exposure to Indian securities.

    About the Proposals:

    • On Investment Cap: SEBI proposes that overseas instruments being considered for investment by domestic MFs must not have more than 20% exposure to Indian securities.
      • This cap is intended to balance facilitating global investments while preventing excessive exposure to Indian markets.
    • On Pooling of Contributions: Indian MFs must ensure that all investors of the overseas MF/UT pool their contributions into a single investment vehicle. This ensures fair distribution of gains among investors, proportional to their contributions, without any preferential treatment.
    • On Autonomous Management: Investments must be made autonomously by the manager of the overseas instrument, without influence from investors or undisclosed parties, to avoid conflicts of interest.
    • About Transparency and Disclosure: SEBI requires periodic public disclosures of the portfolios of such overseas MF/UTs for transparency.
    • No Advisory Agreements: SEBI warns against any advisory agreement between the Indian MF and the overseas MF/UT to prevent conflicts of interest and avoid undue advantage.
    • On Observance Period: If an overseas instrument breaches the 20% limit, the Indian MF scheme will enter a six-month observance period for rebalancing the portfolio.
      • Further investments will only be allowed when the exposure is below the limit. If not rebalanced within six months, the MF must liquidate its investment in the overseas instrument.

    Impacts of the Regulation

    • Diversification of Opportunities: The framework provides a structured path for Indian MFs to invest in overseas instruments, enhancing diversification opportunities for Indian investors.
    • Market Transparency: The requirement for periodic public disclosures of portfolios will increase transparency and investor confidence in overseas investments.
    • Risk Management: The 20% exposure cap and autonomous management of investments help mitigate risks associated with excessive exposure to Indian securities and conflicts of interest.
    • Compliance Burden: The need to adhere to strict regulations and rebalance portfolios within specified periods may increase the compliance burden on domestic MFs.
    • Potential for Growth: By facilitating global investments, the framework can potentially attract more investors to Indian mutual funds, contributing to the growth of the mutual fund industry in India.

    What are the concerns associated with this framework?

    • RBI’s Upper Limit: The Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) upper limit for overseas investment by mutual funds poses a concern. RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das indicated there are no plans to increase this limit, which means the overall industry limit for overseas investments is already exhausted.
    • Practical Impact: As the industry limit for overseas investments is effectively exhausted, the changes to regulations may not have an immediate practical impact, limiting the diversification opportunities for Indian investors.
    • Implementation and Compliance: Ensuring compliance with the 20% exposure cap and other regulations may pose challenges for domestic MFs, requiring careful monitoring and management of their overseas investments.

    Conclusion: Need to establish collaborations with global investment firms to gain insights and best practices in managing overseas investments. Learning from established global players can help Indian mutual funds navigate the complexities of international markets more effectively.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q The product diversification of financial institutions and insurance companies, resulting in overlapping of products and services strengthens the case for the merger of the two regulatory agencies, namely SEBI and IRDA. Justify. (UPSC IAS/2013)

  • What Grade of Coal does India Produce?

    Why in the News?

    • A report by the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project suggests Adani Group claimed ‘low grade’ coal imported from Indonesia to be ‘high quality’ coal.
      • They inflated its value and sold it to Tamil Nadu’s power generation company, TANGEDCO (Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Company).

    Coal Gradation in India

    • These terms are relative and depend on the coal’s Gross Calorific Value (GCV denoted in kilo-calories per kg), which indicates its energy generation potential. Higher GCV denotes better quality coal.
    1. High-Grade (GCV > 7,000 kcal/kg) to
    2. Low-Grade (GCV 2,200-2,500 kcal/kg).
    • Overall there are 17 grades of coal according to the Coal Ministry‘s classification.

    Characteristics of Indian Coal:

    • Historically, Indian coal is high in ash content and low in calorific value compared to imports.
    • Higher ash content leads to increased emissions of particulate matter and pollutants.

    Clean Coal Technologies:

    • Coal Washing: On-site processes such as coal washing are employed to reduce ash and moisture content, thereby improving energy efficiency and reducing environmental impact.
    • Coal Gasification:
      • Another approach is coal gasification, where coal is converted into syngas through an integrated gasification combined cycle (IGCC).
      • This process enhances efficiency and reduces emissions compared to traditional coal-burning methods.
      • Coal gasification produces a mixture of gases known as syngas, primarily composed of carbon monoxide (CO), hydrogen (H2), and carbon dioxide (CO2).
      • Other gases present in syngas can include methane (CH4) and water vapor (H2O).

    Coal Reserves in India

    • India boasts the fourth-largest coal reserves globally, totaling nearly 319.02 billion tonnes.
    • Geological Distribution: These reserves are primarily located in:
    1. Older Gondwana Formations: in Peninsular India, about 250 million years old.
    2. Younger Tertiary Formations: in the North-Eastern region, 15 to 60 million years old.
    • Gondwana coal constitutes 99% of India’s coal production.
    • The top 5 States in terms of total coal reserves in India are: Jharkhand > Odisha > Chhattisgarh > West Bengal > Madhya Pradesh.
    • Types of Coal found:
      • Anthracite: This highest-grade coal contains 80-95% carbon and is found in smaller quantities in regions of Jammu and Kashmir.
      • Bituminous: A medium-grade coal with 60 to 80% carbon content, it is abundant in Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, and Madhya Pradesh.
      • Lignite: The lowest-grade coal, with 40 to 55% carbon content, is found in regions of Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, and Jammu & Kashmir.

    Status of Coal in India

    • In the fiscal year 2023-24, India’s coal production peaked at 997 million tonnes, primarily sourced from state-owned Coal India Ltd and its subsidiaries. Coking coal accounted for 58 million tonnes.
    • During the first quarter of 2024, renewable energy constituted 71.5% of India’s unprecedented 13.6 GW power generation capacity addition, signalling a notable departure from reliance on coal.

    Coal Import Trends:

      • Reduction in Share: The share of coal imports in India’s total coal consumption decreased to 21% from April 2023 to January 2024, down from 22.48% in the corresponding period of the previous year.
      • Blending and Power Plant Imports: While there was a significant reduction of 36.69% in coal imports for blending by thermal power plants, imports by coal-based power plants surged by 94.21% during the same period.
    • Reasons for Coal Imports:
      • Quality Constraints: The scarcity of good quality coking coal, essential for steelmaking, necessitates coal imports to meet industrial demands.
      • Rising Energy Demand: Coal remains a vital component of India’s energy mix, prompting the need for imports to fulfil growing energy requirements.
      • Infrastructure Challenges: Challenges such as geological constraints, land acquisition issues, and environmental regulations impede domestic coal production
      • Quality and Cost Considerations: Importing coal can offer cost advantages and access to better-quality coal compared to domestic sources

    PYQ:

    [2020] Consider the following statements:

    1. Coal ash contains arsenic, lead and mercury.
    2. Coal-fired power plants release sulphur dioxide and oxides of nitrogen into the environment
    3. High ash content is observed in Indian coal.

    Which of the statements given above is/ are correct?

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 and 3 only

    (c) 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

  • Protecting Mangroves in Tamil Nadu 

    Why in the News?

    The International Union for Nature Conservation (IUCN) has listed mangroves in coastal regions spanning Tamil Nadu, Sri Lanka and Maldives as ‘critically endangered’ in its first global assessment of mangrove ecosystems.

    Red List of Mangrove Ecosystems: Study by IUCN

    • Global assessment reveals a 50% risk of mangrove ecosystem collapse. Without further conservation, by 2050, 7,065 sq km more mangroves will be lost, and 23,672 sq km submerged.

    If we let this happen, the world is at risk of losing:  

    • 1.8B tonnes of carbon stored, costing society $336B (based on the social cost of carbon). Protects 2.1M lives and $36B worth of property from coastal flooding..

    Sea-level rise is the main threat affecting mangrove ecosystems. 

    • 25% of the global mangrove area is predicted to be submerged in the next 50 Years.
    • 1/3 of the world’s mangrove ecosystem provinces will be severely affected by sea-level rise.

    Tamil Nadu’s Efforts for Mangroves Conservation

    • The Tamil Nadu Forest Department has doubled mangrove cover from 23 sq km in 2001 to 45 sq km in 2021, as per the Indian State of Forest Report.
    • Mangrove restoration projects have been undertaken across Nagapattinam, Thiruvarur, Cuddalore, Pudukottai, Ramanathapuram, Thiruvallur, and Villupuram districts, with plans for an additional 15 sq km restoration under the Tamil Nadu Coastal Restoration Mission funded by the World Bank.

    TN-SHORE: World Bank-funded Coastal Restoration Mission

    • Tamil Nadu’s TN-SHORE initiative, launched in January 2024, aims to address environmental challenges along the coastline. With Rs 1,675 crore funding, including 70% from the World Bank, it focuses on blue carbon sequestration.

    Back2Basics: Mangroves

    • Mangroves constitute a group of trees and shrubs inhabiting the coastal intertidal zone.
    • They are found globally in tropical and subtropical regions, typically between latitudes 25° N and 25° S.
    • Mangroves are predominantly located in tropical regions due to their intolerance to the extreme cold conditions prevalent in temperate zones.

    Features of Mangroves:

    • Adaptation to waterlogged and anoxic soil: Mangroves possess unique characteristics allowing them to survive in waterlogged and oxygen-deficient environments.
    • Halophytes: Mangrove species have the ability to filter out up to 90% of the salt from seawater as it enters their roots, with some species also excreting salt through glands in their leaves.
    • Water retention capacity: Thick succulent leaves store fresh water, while a waxy coating on some species’ leaves minimizes evaporation.
    • Pneumatophores: Certain mangroves develop pencil-like roots that emerge from the ground to absorb oxygen from the air, aiding in coping with tidal flooding.
    • Prop roots: Many mangrove trees possess dense aerial roots descending from their trunks and branches, which stabilize and support them against waves and tides.
    • Lenticellated bark: Oxygen enters mangroves through lenticels, small breathing pores in the bark and roots, enabling them to adapt to low oxygen conditions.
    • Viviparity: Seed pods germinate while still on the tree, facilitating immediate root growth upon dropping.

    Mangroves in India:

    • According to the India State of Forest Report 2021, mangrove cover in India comprises 0.15% of the country’s total geographical area.
    • West Bengal has the highest percentage of area under total mangrove cover among states and union territories, followed by Gujarat and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
    • The Sundarbans, characterized by the dominant mangrove species sundari (Heritiera fomes), is the largest continuous mangrove forest globally.
    • Various mangrove areas in India are protected within reserves and sanctuaries such as the Sundarbans Tiger Reserve, Bhitarkanika, Coringa, Nelapattu, Point Calimere Wildlife Sanctuaries, Pirotan National Park, among others.

     

    PYQ:

    [2011] The 2004 Tsunami made people realize that mangroves can serve as a reliable safety hedge against coastal calamities. How do mangroves function as a safety hedge?

    (a) The mangrove swamps separate the human settlements from the sea by a wide zone in which people neither live nor venture out

    (b) The mangroves provide both food and medicines which people are in need of after any natural disaster

    (c) The mangrove trees are tall with dense canopies and serve as an excellent shelter during a cyclone or tsunami

    (d) The mangrove trees do not get uprooted by storms and tides because of their extensive roots.

  • Galaxy JADES-GS-z14-0: Insights from NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope

    Why in the News? 

    The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), launched by NASA, has unveiled a groundbreaking find It has captured imagery of the universe’s earliest-known galaxy, revealing unexpected brightness and size given its formation during the universe’s infancy.

    James Webb Space Telescope (JWST)

    • JWST is a joint venture between NASA, the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) launched in December 2021.
    • It is an orbiting infrared observatory that will complement and extend the discoveries of the Hubble Space Telescope, with longer wavelength coverage and greatly improved sensitivity.
    • Webb was formerly known as the “Next Generation Space Telescope” (NGST) and it was renamed in 2002 after a former NASA administrator, James Webb.
    • It will be a large infrared telescope with an approximately 6.5-meter primary mirror.
    • JWST is positioned at the Earth-Sun L2 Lagrange point, 5 million km away.
    • It consists of a mirror, spanning 6.5 meters in diameter compared to Hubble’s 2.4 meters, as well as its specialized instruments optimized for infrared observations.

    Key Objectives:

    • JWST observes deeper into the universe than Hubble.
    • Observes celestial objects from earlier epochs.
    • Enables the detection of light from the universe’s earliest stars, dating back over 13.5 billion years.

    About JADES-GS-z14-0 Galaxy 

    • Named JADES-GS-z14-0, this galaxy was formed approximately 290 million years after the Big Bang.
    • Spanning about 1,700 light-years across, it consists of a mass equivalent to 500 million stars akin to our Sun.
    • Despite its ancient age, the galaxy is actively generating stars at a rapid pace, producing around 20 new stars annually.

    Scientific Insights:

    • Historical Context: Previously, the earliest-known galaxy was dated to approximately 320 million years post-Big Bang, indicating the significance of this new discovery.
    • Luminosity Theories: While hypotheses suggest various explanations for the galaxy’s luminosity, including supermassive black holes or unusually bright stars, further research is required to validate these theories.

    PYQ:

    [2012] Which of the following is/are cited by the scientists as evidence/evidence for the continued expansion of the universe?

    1. Detection of microwaves in space
    2. Observation of redshift phenomenon in space
    3. Movement of asteroids in space
    4. Occurrence of supernova explosions in space

    Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

    (a) 1 and 2

    (b) 2 only

    (c) 1, 3 and 4

    (d) None of the above can be cited as evidence

  • Is climate change behind more frequent and severe turbulence faced by aircraft?

    Why in the news?

    On May 21, severe turbulence over Myanmar caused one death and 70 injuries on a Singapore Airlines flight. Qatar Airways had 12 minor injuries on May 26.

    What is Turbulence?

    • Turbulence, unpredictable air motion caused by eddies and vertical currents, ranges from minor bumps to severe disruptions, often associated with fronts and thunderstorms.

    Flight Turbulence

    Types of Flight Turbulence

    Note: Attitude is the angular difference measured between an aeroplane’s axis and the line of the Earth’s horizon.

    • Light Turbulence: Slight erratic changes in the aircraft’s orientation.
    • Moderate Turbulence: Notable changes in altitude and attitude, but the aircraft remains under control.
    • Severe Turbulence: Significant and sudden changes of altitude and attitude, momentarily losing control.
    • Extreme Turbulence: The aircraft is violently tossed about and is almost impossible to control.

    Causes of Flight Turbulence

    • Mechanical Turbulence: Caused by friction between the air and the ground, especially over irregular terrain and man-made obstacles. Includes ‘mountain waves’ over mountain ranges.
    • Convective/Thermal Turbulence: Resulting from hot air rising rapidly and cooler air descending, creating convective air currents. Often occurs during the approach.
    • Frontal Turbulence: Created by the lifting of warm air by a sloping frontal surface and friction between opposing air masses, commonly near thunderstorms.
    • Wind Shear: Caused by changes in wind direction and/or speed over specific distances, found in temperature inversion areas, troughs, lows, and around jet streams.
    • Clear Air Turbulence (CAT): Occurs at high altitudes outside of clouds, often near jet streams, and is difficult to predict or see.

    Impact of Climate Change on Flight Turbulence

    • Increased Incidence: Studies indicate a rise in severe turbulence, particularly CAT, with the growth in air traffic and climate change.
    • Jet Stream Intensification: Climate change strengthens jet streams, increasing the frequency and severity of turbulence.
    • Mountain Wave and Near-Cloud Turbulence: Predictions suggest these types of turbulence will also intensify with climate change, leading to more frequent and severe occurrences globally.

    Way forward:

    • Safety Measures: Continuous improvement in aircraft design, weather forecasting, and pilot training helps mitigate the risks associated with turbulence.
    • Passenger Advice: Passengers are advised to keep their seat belts fastened as much as possible to avoid injuries during unexpected turbulence.
    • Regulatory Recommendations: Aviation authorities recommend better communication, real-time information sharing, and enhanced training to prevent turbulence-related incidents.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q Most of the unusual climatic happenings are explained as an outcome of the El-Nino effect. Do you agree? (UPSC IAS/2014)

  • Monsoon Croaks Bioblitz: Protecting Kerala’s Frog Species

    Why in the News?

    The Centre for Citizen Science and Biodiversity Informatics, Kerala Forest Research Institute (KFRI), has organised the event “Monsoon Croaks Bioblitz 2024”.

    About Monsoon Croaks Bioblitz, 2024:

    •  This program aims to document Kerala’s frog species during the monsoon season.
    • Objective: Cultivate scientific curiosity among the public and raise awareness about frog conservation through social media platforms, such as posters and articles.
      • Bioblitz Definition: It’s an intensive survey conducted over time to identify and document as many species as possible within a designated area, a popular participatory survey method globally.

    Project Details:

    • Participation: People of all ages can contribute by uploading frog photographs and sounds via the iNaturalist app.
    • Data Utilization: Scientific observations collected during the bioblits will contribute to the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF), facilitating biodiversity awareness, habitat conservation, and climate change research.

    Need for such an event

    • Monsoon heralds a festive season for frogs, marking their peak activity and breeding period.
    • However, the survival of frogs, crucial indicators of ecosystem health, faces threats from climate change, habitat loss, and water pollution.
    • As a result, 41% of the world’s frog species are on the IUCN Red List of endangered species, including those in Kerala.

    Results of 2023:

    • In 2023, KFRI conducted the Monsoon Croaks project, witnessing enthusiastic participation from citizens across Kerala.
    • Highlights: Around 200 citizen scientists uploaded 1,223 observations, identifying approximately 80 amphibian species, including those listed on the IUCN Red List.
    • Notable Species:  The top most observed species is the Wayanad Bush Frog (Pseudophilautus wynaadensis).
      • Following closely is the Asian Common Toad (Duttaphrynus melanostictus).
      • Other important amphibian species recorded in the bioblitz include:
      • Critically Endangered Resplendent Shrub frog (Raorchestes resplendens).
      • Endangered Malabar Torrent Toad (Blaira ornata).
      • Small Tree Frog (Rhacophorus lateralis).
      • Vulnerable Anaimalai Flying Frog (Rhacophorus pseudomalabaricus).
      • Near Threatened Purple Frog (Nasikabatrachus sahyadrensis).

    Back2Basics: Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF)

    Details
    Purpose To provide free and open access to biodiversity data for research, conservation, and sustainable development
    Establishment Established in 2001
    Headquarters Copenhagen, Denmark
    Members Over 40 countries and economies, including government agencies, museums, research institutions, and NGOs
    Mission Facilitate the digitisation and mobilization of biodiversity data, making it accessible and usable for scientific research and policy-making
    Core Functions
    • Promote and facilitate collaboration and data sharing among members
    • Develop standards and tools for data mobilisation, quality, and interoperability
    • Provide technical infrastructure for publishing, indexing, and accessing biodiversity data
    Data Availability GBIF provides access to over 2 billion occurrence records of species worldwide, contributed by thousands of data publishers
    Legal Framework GBIF operates under an intergovernmental treaty, the GBIF Agreement, and is governed by its members through an annual Governing Board
    Funding Funding for GBIF comes from member countries and economies, as well as international organizations and private sector partners
    Contributions to Science and Policy
    • Contributes to global assessments such as the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES)
    • Supports the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and other international initiatives related to biodiversity conservation

     

    PYQ:

    [2015] With reference to an organization known as ‘Birdlife International’ which of the following statements is/are correct?

    1. It is a Global Partnership of Conservation Organizations.
    2. The concept of ‘biodiversity hotspots’ originated from this organization.
    3. It identifies the sites known/referred to as ‘Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas’.

    Select the correct answer using the code given below.

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 and 3 only

    (c) 1 and 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

  • Surge in Indian Companies’ External Commercial Borrowings (ECBs)

    Why in the News?

    Indian companies “external commercial borrowings” nearly doubled in FY24, reaching $49.2 billion, according to RBI data.

    Key Statistics:

    • Disbursements: ECB disbursements stood at $38.4 billion in FY24, a significant increase from $23.8 billion in FY23, underscoring the growing reliance on overseas markets for funding.
    • Domestic Pressure: High interest rates in the domestic system have led to increased pressure, prompting companies to explore ECBs as a viable funding alternative.

    External Commercial Borrowing (ECBs) in India:

    Details
    Definition Loans provided by non-resident lenders in foreign currency to Indian borrowers.
    Usage Widely used by Indian corporations and PSUs to access foreign funds.
    Instruments Covered Commercial bank loans, buyers’ credit, suppliers’ credit, securitised instruments (floating rate notes, fixed-rate bonds), credit from official export credit agencies, and commercial borrowings from multilateral financial institutions.
    Regulation Monitored and regulated by the Department of Economic Affairs (DEA) under the Ministry of Finance, Government of India, along with the Reserve Bank of India.
    Contribution Contributed between 20 and 35% of total capital flows into India in 2012.
    Recent Changes RBI raised ECB limit for infrastructure finance companies from 50% to 75% of owned funds.
    Guideline Changes RBI allowed all eligible borrowers to raise ECB up to USD 750 million per financial year under the automatic route (2019).
    Utilisation of Funds 25% of ECB can be used to repay rupee debt; 75% should be allocated for new projects.
    Regulatory Framework Governed by the Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999.
    Routes for Raising ECBs Automatic Route and Approval Route.

    1. Automatic Route: Cases examined by AD (Authorized Dealer) Category-I Banks.
    2. Approval Route: Borrowers submit requests to RBI through their AD banks for examination.
    Maturity Period ECBs can only be raised for a specific period known as the Minimum Average Maturity Period (MAMP).
    Advantages Offered
    • ECBs offer the opportunity to secure substantial funding.
    • These funds typically come with longer-term repayment options.
    • Interest rates on ECBs are generally lower compared to domestic borrowing rates.
    • ECBs are denominated in foreign currencies, providing corporations with access to foreign currency to fulfil import needs such as machinery procurement.

     

    PYQ:

    [2019] Consider the following statements :

    1. Most of India’s external debt is owed by governmental entities.
    2. All of India’s external debt is denominated in US dollars.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 only

    (c) Both 1 and 2

    (d) Neither 1 nor 2

  • KAZA Summit 2024: Delegates renew calls to leave CITES

    Why in the news?

    At the KAZA 2024 Summit in Livingstone, Zambia, delegates reiterated the urge for member states to withdraw from CITES because they seek approval to trade their plentiful ivory and wildlife items.

    About the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES):

    • It is an international agreement adopted in 1973 (entered into force in 1975) between governments.
    • Aim: To ensure that international trade in wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival.
    • Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland.
    • Although CITES is legally binding on the Parties – in other words, they have to implement the Convention–it does not take the place of national laws.
    • Representatives of CITES nations meet every two to three years at a Conference of the Parties (COP) to review progress and adjust the lists of protected species, which are grouped into three categories with different levels of protection:
      • Appendix I: Includes the world’s most endangered plants and animals, such as tigers and gorillas. International commercial trade in these species, or even parts of them, is completely banned, except in rare cases such as scientific research.
      • Appendix II: Contains species like corals that are not yet threatened with extinction, but which could become threatened if unlimited trade were allowed. Also included are “look-alike” species that closely resemble those already on the list for conservation reasons. Plants and animals in this category can be traded internationally, but there are strict rules.
      • Appendix III: Species whose trade is only regulated within a specific country can be placed on Appendix III if that country requires cooperation from other nations to help prevent exploitation.

    What is Kavango-Zambezi Trans-Frontier Conservation Area (KAZA-TFCA)?

    • The Kavango-Zambezi Trans-Frontier Conservation Area (KAZA-TFCA) spans 520,000 square kilometers. It covers parts of five southern African nations. These nations are Angola, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
    • The area is centered around the Okavango and Zambezi river basins. The combined elephant population in these nations represents over two-thirds of Africa’s total, estimated at around 450,000.
    • Botswana has the largest elephant population within the region, with 132,000 elephants. Zimbabwe follows with 100,000 elephants.

    Key Objectives of KAZA 2024 Summit :

    • Conservation: Promote the sustainable management and conservation of wildlife across the five member states: Angola, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
    • Economic Benefit: To explore ways to monetize abundant wildlife resources, particularly elephants, to fund conservation efforts and benefit local economies.

    Dominant Issues:

    • At the 19th meeting of the CITES conference in Panama in 2022, KAZA states and five other southern African countries advocated for opening up trade in ivory and elephant products.
    • Southern African countries, including those in the KAZA region, argue that their large elephant populations contribute to habitat loss and human-wildlife conflict.
    • Despite repeated requests, CITES delegates rejected the proposal, leading to frustration among African countries.
    • Ten countries, including KAZA states and others like Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, South Africa, and Tanzania, declared a dispute with CITES. They criticized CITES for straying from its founding principles and adopting ideologies over science-based conservation strategies.

    Way forward:

    • Lobbying for Change: Advocacy for a more equitable and science-based approach to wildlife trade regulations within international frameworks like CITES.
    • Regional Cooperation: Enhance collaboration among member states to develop joint conservation strategies and share best practices for managing human-wildlife conflicts.
    • Diversification of Revenue Streams: Explore alternative sources of funding for conservation efforts, such as ecotourism, carbon credits, and sustainable agriculture.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q How does biodiversity vary in India? How is the Biological Diversity Act, 2002 helpful in the conservation of flora and fauna? (250 Words, 15 Marks) (UPSC IAS/2018)

  • 40 Years since Operation Blue Star

    Why in the News?

    June 1, the day Punjab votes in the last phase of the Lok Sabha election, happens to be the anniversary of “Operation Blue Star” which has influenced the recent history and politics of the state.

    Operation Blue Star

    • Operation Blue Star was a military operation carried out by the Indian Army in June 1984 to remove  Khalistani group-based militants who were hiding inside the Golden Temple complex in Amritsar, Punjab.
    • The militants, led by Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, had fortified the temple complex and were advocating for an independent Sikh state called Khalistan.
    • The operation aimed to flush out the militants from the Golden Temple complex and restore law and order in the region.
    • However, it resulted in significant casualties and damage to the sacred shrine.
    • The operation began on June 1, 1984, and lasted for 10 days

    The operation was highly controversial and led to widespread outrage among Sikhs, both in India and abroad. It also had political repercussions, including the assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi by her bodyguards later that year, which sparked anti-Sikh riots across India.

    What is the Khalistan movement?

    • The Khalistan movement is a Sikh separatist movement aiming to establish a sovereign state called Khalistan (Land of the Khalsa) in the Punjab region of India and Pakistan.

    Factors Contributing to Khalistan’s Rise:

    • Partition of India (1947): The division of Punjab and the loss of Sikh holy sites in Pakistan led to a sense of displacement and marginalisation among Sikhs.
    • Linguistic Reorganization of States (1966): The creation of a Sikh-majority Punjab but with reduced territorial size and economic potential further fueled the desire for greater autonomy and cultural rights.
    • Anandpur Sahib Resolution (1973): The demand for greater autonomy and cultural rights for Punjab was seen as a secessionist threat by the central government, leading to increased tensions.
    • External Support: The involvement of external forces, such as Pakistan, which have supported and funded some Khalistani groups for their strategic interests, has also played a significant role in the movement’s persistence.

    PYQ:

    [2016] Has the formation of linguistic states strengthened the cause of Indian unity?

  • K-9 Vajra Howitzers and Su-30 MKI Fighter Aircraft Engines                                  

    Why in the news?

    Several critical ‘Make in India’ defence projects, including acquisitions of K-9 Vajra self-propelled howitzers and Su-30 MKI fighter aircraft engines, are pending final approval from the Centre post-elections.

    About K-9 Vajra Self-Propelled Howitzers:

    • It is a self-propelled howitzer.
    • Technology: It incorporates technology transferred from South Korean defence major Hanwha Defense based on its K9 Thunder.
    • Development: The K9 gun has been developed under the ‘Buy Global’ programme of the Defence Procurement Procedure (DPP) where foreign companies are allowed to participate.
    • Features: The platform boasts all-welded steel armour protection. Initially intended for desert use, it has been deployed in mountainous regions due to the India-China standoff.
    • Winterisation: To ensure optimal performance in extreme cold conditions, the Army procured winterisation kits for the regiment deployed in mountainous areas.

    About Su-30MKI:

      • The Sukhoi Su-30MKI is a two-seater, twinjet multirole air superiority fighter. It is built under license by India’s Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
    • Design: 
      • It was designed by Russia’s Sukhoi Corporation beginning in 1995 and built under licence by India’s Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
      • The first squadron was inducted into the Indian Air Force (IAF) in 2002.
    • Characteristics:
      • It is a heavy, all-weather, long-range fighter with a highly integrated twin-finned airframe.
      • The construction materials include titanium and high-strength Aluminium alloy.

    Engine Upgrade:

    India’s “Super Sukhoi” Program aims to enhance the performance and longevity of AL-31F engines, addressing long-standing engine failure issues and deficiencies.

     

    PYQ:

    [2016] Which one of the following is the best description of ‘INS Astradharini’, that was in the news recently?

    (a) Amphibious warfare ship
    (b) Nuclear-powered submarine
    (c) Torpedo launch and recovery vessel
    (d) Nuclear-powered aircraft carrier